While the relish tray was originally passed as a way to add a brisk and snappy appetizer element to the rich Thanksgiving meal, it's not too surprising that people eventually started adding creamy mayo and sour cream-based dressings as something to dip those healthy carrot and celery sticks into.

We took the middle road and offered creamy hummus and smoky eggplant dip on our second Modern Relish Tray (our first tray was all about pickles).

One of the main considerations in putting together this relish tray is to take it easy on yourself! You have a big Thanksgiving meal to assemble, so keep it simple and purchase your favorite hummus and eggplant dip (baba ghanoush is a good substitute.)

An Elegant Take on Hummus & Veggies

I often doctor up my store-bought hummus by swirling in some olive oil and scattering whole chickpeas on top. A sprinkle of paprika for color is nice, too.

For the crudités (sliced fresh vegetables) we picked radishes, both black and red, as well as celery hearts and frisée, sliced into bite-sized wedges. The black radish and frisée are unusual choices and add to the modern feeling of the tray.

A scattering of pita crackers completed the picture, although pita chips or even pita bread could have been used, too.

Make-Ahead Tips for This Appetizer Platter

The dips can be spooned into bowls the day before if well-covered and kept in the refrigerator. The fresh vegetables can be cut up up to a day ahead of time, too, but keep them wrapped in moist paper towels and sealed in a plastic bag to prevent drying out.